The interdependency of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is the key to future business growth. Think about how technology has changed the world in recent years – how the smart phone has revolutionized the telecom industry, how DNA mapping has changed the medical field, and how social media has changed the way businesses, governments and people interact with each other. Companies interact with customers via Facebook and Twitter. News spreads quickly around the world via tweets and youtube.
In Abu Dhabi, women can study STEM at numerous higher education institutes, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR), and the Petroleum Institute (PI). Some, like PI, have a Women in Science and Engineering Program (WiSE).
While women are studying STEM in universities, a Harvard Business report found that only 26% of women with STEM degrees in the US work in STEM jobs. And that over time, 52% of women leave these jobs. These statistics are staggering, half the women leave the field. The report found the following five reasons women leave STEM careers: 1) hostility in the work place, 2) feeling of isolation as the only woman on a team, 3) difference between male and female work styles, 4) long work weeks, and 5) mystery around what it takes to advance in the field.
If you are interested in starting or continuing a STEM career, here are some ideas to help you succeed in the field.
1) Educate yourself on how to deal with gender differences in the workplace. Men and women have different communication styles. Read about them online and see the best way to work in male-dominated workplace. Common advice includes promoting yourself more; for example, don’t wait to be asked before giving your opinion. It is also important to say no when given an unreasonable request.
2) Join female industry and professional associations to overcome feelings of isolation in male-dominated fields. Associations provide support on line and in person. You can become a member of international associations such as the “Society of Women Engineers” or “Association for Women in Science”. Many of the international associations have chapters in the Middle East. If you can’t find one in your field, then write the international organization to find out how to start one.
3) Work for a company with female-friendly policies and programs. Companies understand that it is profitable to keep talented workers. With women often having the majority of household and child care duties, companies know that by offering flexible hours they can retain female employees. While this may not be an option in some organizations, look for companies that provide additional technical training and leadership training to help you advance in the field.
4) Find a mentor to learn the ropes of how to get promoted. Mentors are important because they provide career advice and promote your strengths to decision makers. Mentors can be male or female. In the STEM field, a mentor will most likely be a male, since they hold the majority of positions.
While men outnumber women in most STEM fields, statistics show that women are increasing their presence in some professions and outstrip men in others. For example, women are: 17% of chemical engineers, 22% of environmental scientists, 37% of database administrators, 46% of biological scientists, 60% of accountants, 78% of clinical laboratory technologists and 91% of registered nurses. With STEM careers a key area for business growth, women choosing this career path, and sticking with it, will be WiSE and reap the benefits for many years to come.
By Theresa Weber
ABOUT THERESA WEBER:
Theresa Weber is the President and Co-Founder of Alexandria Consulting Team (ACT) LLC, an international management consultancy. Terry is also editor of the daily e-newsletter: MENA #WomeninBusiness Forum FOLLOW: @TheresaFWeber @ACT_LLC
